Many LCMS pastors and church workers realize that much “Christian counseling” is based in the Law and not the Gospel of Christ. Walther actually said that properly dividing Law and Gospel in “private ministrations” with people is more difficult than in preaching and teaching. How can Lutheran pastors and other counselors better learn to distinguish Law and Gospel in counseling and apply the Gospel as an antidote when needed? How can Lutheran pastors better equip non-Lutheran Christian counselors to which they refer parishioners with these important concepts? These and other complicated questions will be addressed to help the learners become more confident and effective in their care if the souls entrusted to them.
Instructor: Dr. Rick Marrs
Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Faculty
Licensed Psychologist